Mark 3:1
And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
3 of 14
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγήν
the synagogue
G4864
συναγωγήν
the synagogue
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
6 of 14
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐξηραμμένην
a withered
G3583
ἐξηραμμένην
a withered
Strong's:
G3583
Word #:
11 of 14
to desiccate; by implication, to shrivel, to mature
ἔχων
which had
G2192
ἔχων
which had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
12 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Historical Context
Synagogues served as local Jewish worship centers in most towns with Jewish population. Sabbath services included Torah reading and teaching. Physical disabilities often resulted in social marginalization and economic hardship—no disability support, limited employment options, dependence on charity. Yet Jewish law welcomed disabled into worship. Jesus' willingness to heal on Sabbath challenged Pharisaic priorities.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' regular synagogue attendance demonstrate that authentic faith engages with religious community despite opposition?
- What 'withered' areas of your life need Jesus' healing touch?
- How does this passage challenge you to view disabled or marginalized people as Jesus did?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus 'entered again into the synagogue'—returning to public worship and teaching despite rising opposition. The phrase 'again' (πάλιν) indicates repeated pattern—Jesus regularly participated in synagogue worship, demonstrating continuity with Jewish worship forms while transforming their content. The man 'with a withered hand' suffered chronic disability—the perfect participle indicates long-standing condition. 'Withered' suggests muscle atrophy, making the hand functionally useless. Jesus' encounter sets up another Sabbath controversy, testing whether Jesus will prioritize mercy over Pharisaic regulation. The man's passive presence contrasts with active faith elsewhere—he didn't seek Jesus but became the object of compassionate initiative.